New Authority for Owner-Operators
Thinking about running your own authority instead of leasing on? We set up your USDOT number, MC authority, BOC-3 and first-year filings in the right order, so you’re not stuck waiting on a mistake.
Free USDOT lookup
See your MCS-150 due date and UCR fee in under a minute — no sign-up.
Why owner-operators leave a lease to run their own authority
Leasing on means the carrier you drive for finds the loads, sets the rate, and keeps a cut. Running your own USDOT number and MC authority means you choose the freight and keep what you negotiate — but it also means you’re the one responsible for every filing that keeps that authority active.
What goes wrong when owner-operators file it themselves
The most common mistakes we see: applying before insurance and a BOC-3 are lined up (which adds weeks of waiting after approval), missing the first UCR payment because nobody told them it was due, and missing the first MCS-150 update because it’s due on a schedule tied to the USDOT number, not a date anyone reminds you of.
How we help
- We file your application. Your USDOT number and MC authority application go in correctly the first time, with your BOC-3 ordered the same day — not after you’re approved.
- We track it to active. We watch the FMCSA Register publication and the protest period, and confirm your insurance and BOC-3 are both on file so authority activates as soon as it legally can.
- We line up what’s due next. Your first UCR registration and MCS-150 update dates go on our calendar, not just yours, and we file them for you when they come due.
What it costs
See current pricing on our Pricing page. The FMCSA application fee itself is separate and paid directly to FMCSA; insurance is separate and paid to your insurer.
Questions owner-operators ask before switching
Can I keep driving for my current carrier while my authority is pending?
Yes. You can stay leased on and hauling under their authority right up until yours goes active, then make the switch.
Do I need my own insurance before I apply?
You need to have it lined up — your insurer must file proof directly with FMCSA before your authority can activate, so get a quote before you submit your application, not after.
How many trucks do I need to run my own authority?
One. Plenty of owner-operators run authority with a single truck; the filings and deadlines are the same regardless of fleet size, just the UCR fee changes.
What if I already have a USDOT number from a previous business?
Tell us when you call — depending on its status, we may be able to reactivate and update it instead of starting a new one from scratch.
Ready to start?
See everything involved in Authority and registration: your complete guide, or fill out the form below.
or call 888-761-3413